• Ongoing position (part time considered)
• Salary based on experience, range: $98,902 - $123,624 (pro rata) plus super
• Up to $15,900 in salary packaging and hybrid WFH & office model

About the role

Establish a First Nations Access Service to assist First Nations help seekers and clients via outbound phonelines and webchat by accepting referrals and providing complex legal advice over the phone, email or webchat or in person. Assist the manager in creating awareness of the helpline by performing outreach to the First Nations community and assist in developing legal information resources and increasing community awareness. Participate in continuous improvement and be centre of service excellence in triage and legal and non legal referral by implementing best practices of service delivery.

Furthermore, support Manager with service design and development of service framework and protocols for issues tracking, demand and outcomes monitoring and service evaluation to ensure culturally safe and trauma informed effective and efficient operations. Opportunity to establish relationships with Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, Djirra, Lotjpa Independent Legal Service, Aboriginal Community Engagement Officers and other key First Nations networks.

This is a special measures role and only First Nations people are eligible to apply, as per the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.

This role is based at our Melbourne CBD office on Wurundjeri Country.

About you

As our ideal candidate, you will possess:

• Proven expertise in working collaboratively with the First Nations community, understanding and addressing unique needs Knowledge and practice experience in child protection, family, criminal and civil law matters.
• Leadership experience in driving change and achieving excellence in service delivery.
• Ability to align service with organisational objectives and development and implement practical strategies to meet stakeholder expectations.
• A current Australian practising certificate which entitles you to practise in Victoria as a government legal practitioner (mandatory).

Don't meet every requirement? At VLA, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If you're excited about this role but your CV doesn't align perfectly with our job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or one of our many other opportunities.

About Victoria Legal Aid

We provide legal representation to those who need it most. With over 1000 staff employed in 15 offices across Victoria, we help people with their legal problems by providing information, advice and education with a focus on the prevention and early resolution of legal problems.

Our clients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds and foster a work culture that's inclusive as well as diverse. Your unique ideas and perspectives are valued so that we best represent the people we serve.

Employee benefits

• Focus on work-life balance including flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid work from home & office model
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Excellent salary packaging options including General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650 and Novated Leasing
• Opportunity to join Myki Commuter Club (and salary package the cost)
• Supportive team environment in modern offices (including free gym and end-of-trip facilities at our CBD office)

How to apply

To be considered for this role, please submit a current resume and a cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria listed in the Position Description (file attachments).

If you require adjustment to the recruitment and selection process or need an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team via [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Lawyer, First Nations Access enquiry via EthicalJobs.

For further information review the attached position description or contact Isabella Unwin, Manager First Nation, Access on (03) 9606 5224.
No agency applications will be accepted.

Other relevant information

It is a requirement that staff attend for office-based days at their primary work location. In line with this requirement, interstate applications will be considered only where the candidate is able and willing to relocate to Victoria, unless part of a border community.

VLA is committed to putting the safety and wellbeing of children first.